The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) – is set to premiere its first movie titled “Wajenzi,” – a science in Africa documentary in Lagos, Nigeria. “Wajenzi” means builder in Swahili. The film is sponsored by the International Development Research Centre (Canada), which invests in knowledge, innovation, and solutions to improve people’s lives in the developing world, and Google and Facebook (now Meta).
The documentary-style movie is centered on three scientists who continue to navigate the complexities of bias toward Scientists from Africa. It highlights the struggles researchers in Africa face, their aspirations, and the impact of their work. Filmed in Ghana, South Sudan, South Africa, and Ireland, this documentary emphasizes the importance of scientific research in Africa’s development.
“We are excited to share with Africa and the world the impact our alumni are making in their various fields. We also strongly believe in public engagement for Africa’s scientific emergence even as we focus on nurturing the potential of young Africans who are excited about leveraging their talents in giving back to their community as they tackle complex social problems” – Lydie Hakiziman, Chief Executive Officer of AIMS.
Featuring three AIMS Alumni, the movie will be premiered at the first-ever AIMS community event in Lagos on May 21, 2022. The invite-only alumni meet-up is part of our public engagement activities to celebrate and connect AIMS Alumni to industry and other stakeholders. Over the past 19 years, AIMS has trained over 2500 young Africans, with up to 10% being Nigerians. AIMS is a key supplier of talent within the STEM ecosystem directly linked to industry. Students admitted at AIMS benefit from full scholarships and close interaction with tutors and professors worldwide, including Nobel Prize and Fields Medal laureates.
About AIMS
Founded in 2003, the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) is a pan-African network of Centres of Excellence for postgraduate training in mathematical sciences, research, and public engagement in STEM. With centers in South Africa, Senegal, Ghana, Cameroon, and Rwanda, AIMS contributes to Africa’s socio-economic transformation through innovative scientific training, cutting-edge research, and public engagement. With expertly tailored academic and non-academic programs spanning through Centres of Excellence, Research Centres, the AIMS Industry Initiative, and gender-responsive Teacher Training. AIMS equally created two critical initiatives: Quantum Leap Africa, which aspires to do leading-edge research in quantum science, and the Next Einstein Forum, which is positioning Africa to become a significant player in global science. For more information, visit www.nexteinstein.org.
